Modern Vespa

I have a 2011 Vespa LX50. I am having trouble getting it started. New Battery.
I hear the whirling sound. I took apart the transmission and cleaned the Bendix Gear, but the Bendix does not engage. I bought a new Bendix Gear from ScooterWest. I put it on today. It spins like the prior one but the Bendix Gear does not engage (extend). Any thoughts?

Check the voltage directly across the starter motor when you try to start - it should be greater than 10V. It can get to just under 12V at the battery - if the voltage difference is greater then you need to check the connections to the battery and to the frame and starter motor, both polarities.

You will probably need a friend to help do the voltage tests.

If the volts are OK, and the Bendix still doesn't fly out, check the starter motor is actually turning the right way! You wouldn't be the first to connect a new battery the wrong way round...

12.39 at Battery
12.20 at Starter

That makes sense, as there's no load on the starter while the Bendix isn't engaged.

I used to have a 125 that needed to be leaned right over to the left to get the Bendix to get out there. But cleaning it up then helped.

I reckon your starter just isn't spinning fast enough, though it really shouldn't take much to spin out the Bendix.

I'd take the starter off and do the shade-mechanic bench test of trying to grind down on a piece of wood. If you can make the wood smoke, good. If the starter feels weak instead, replace it.

I only have 743 miles on the Scooter. Do you think I should still remove starter and test?

If the reason it has so few miles (hardly broken in) is because it wouldn't start - then yes!

Not really. Always worked fine. Bought with 34 miles on it in 2015. I haven't used in 2 years (seasons here in NY). I'll do the starter test tomorrow.

Does the 150LX use the same Bendix gear?

Pulled the starter and did the smoke test. Smelled a burning smell and saw light smoke.

So the starter is strong, the Bendix is new, the battery is new, but the Bendix still won't fling out. It's not a high resistance to the starter (voltage test).

Stumped.

Is the starter shaft clean? A Bendix relies on inertia to wind its way down the shaft. If the shaft is gummy, the Bendix won't work its way down the shaft, because it immediately turns, instead of staying stationary momentarily.

I cleaned the old bendix and bought a new bendix. They both do not engage.

Did you clean the shaft they ride on?

What do you mean by shaft. Something related to the Bendix or the Starter?

The shaft of the starter. Perhaps I'm misunderstanding the situation. I assume that when the starter begins turning, inertia keeps the Bendix stationary for a moment, which leads it to spiral down the starter's shaft to engage the flywheel. If the shaft is gummy, the Bendix will turn immediately, and not spiral its way down.

Does this look normal?[/img]

Does this look normal?

I'm inclined to buy a new starter since the current one is 11 years old and has been siting for 2+ years. Any recommendations? OEM or AM?

Now that I see the motor, it does not use a Bendix. It likely uses a one-way roller clutch to engage the engine.

Starter shaft with bendix/gear

I stand corrected - not all Bendix drives use the spiral shaft. Pic of a spiral drive attached. Some Bendixes are moved by the solenoid or other means.

Ok, I was able to get the starter to engage with the Bendix Gear. Cleaning the started guts and sanding off the scarring on the starter copper solved the issue. Transmission now turns over. Still doesn't fire, but at least first issue is solved. Plus I upgraded to Molassi Parts. Now onto the next problem to solve. Carb?

1. Drain fuel from tank, replace with new fuel
2.Check fuel flow from tank to carb. Make sure petcock works properly. Replace fuel line and vacuum line.
3. Check spark on sparkplug.
4. Remove carb, clean the jets very well.

One strange thing, dash lights are out, front headlight does not come on. Brake Light and Horn work. Directionals turn on but do not blink.

Checked all three fuses. Not blown.

Is this a 2 stroke or 4 stroke? In both cases those are all on the AC side of the regulator along with the auto-choke, no fuse inline. The turn signal pulses are also fed from the regulator.

Wiring diagrams at:
https://manuals.wotmeworry.org.uk/Vespa/LX50/

Completed the following recommendations:

1. Drained fuel from tank, replaced with new fuel
2. Petcock looked ok, but ordered new petcock, fuel line and vacuum line.
3. Sparkplug looked ok, but order a new one.
4. Cleaned carb. It was not gunked up.

Parts come in this weekend.

As for the wiring, I have a 4T. Electrical is my weakest skill. How and where should I start checking.

Losing my mind with this little guy.

Installed:

New Battery
New Spark Plug
New Petcock
New Fuel Line and Fuel Filter
New Fuel
New Voltage Regulator
New 12v 80 amp Starter Relay
Cleaned Carb x2
New Air Filters

Plus all of the new Malossi Tranny stuff

Will not start. Great turn over and fuel gets into the fuel filter. Turn signals still do not blink. Solid lights. Front light does not come on. Horn works. Checked (all ok) and replaced all three fuses.

Thoughts?

Remove sparkplug. It is wet? Connect it to the sparkplug wire, then hold the end of the sparkplug on the metal of the engine. Engage the starter and look to see if there is significant and consistent spark.

I am betting you have something wrong with your sparkplug wire or the CDI unit.

You might get lucky and the problem may be just a faulty kill switch...

No Spark